Career Tips: The first minutes in the office

Written by Engel & Völkers on 2.5.2016

"Action is the foundational key to all success" – Pablo Picasso

Accomplished people tend to take certain steps during the first minutes of arriving at the office. Incorporating these tricks into your own routine will not only energise the start of your working day but serve as a springboard for achieving your goals.

1. Check in with colleagues

Engender a positive atmosphere in the office as soon as you arrive by taking the time to greet your coworkers. If you're in a managerial role, touching base with your staff allows you to stay up-to-date and resolve any potential problems before they arise.

2. Organise your time

Creating a daily plan means taking stock of your progress on certain projects and what tasks need to be completed. It’s vital to be realistic in your approach however. Anticipate distractions, allow a sufficient amount of time for each duty, and factor in coffee and rest breaks. Even the most carefully composed plans can go awry, so prepare to be flexible in case an unexpected problem comes up. Your daily plan should be a guide rather than a rigid schedule.

3. Prioritise tasks

As diversions can still materialise, the key is to focus on one assignment at a time and ensure the list you need to complete isn't overwhelmingly long. Rather than yielding to the temptation to multitask and risk not allotting enough time to finish each job, channel your energy into accomplishing one task at a time. Move on only when it has been completed to the standard required.

4. Focus on success

Visualising your goals will help you to achieve them, and it pays to reflect for a moment on how you define success at work and where you ultimately aim to end up. Avoid negative thoughts and refuse to allow yourself to dwell on any doubts and insecurities you may have. Focus instead on prosperity and success, and concentrate on your commitment to achieving these.

5. Smile!

Starting the day in a positive frame of mind improves productivity, so take a moment to read a joke, watch a humorous video or reflect on a memory that will encourage you to smile. Not only will this put you in a better mindset at the start of the working day, it will make you a pleasant colleague to be around!

Are you looking for a new career challenge in the coming year, in which you can achieve your personal goals? Benefit not only from ideal working conditions, but also from the friendly atmosphere at Engel & Völkers. Apply on our careers page today and start smiling!